“Please. Tell her wheels up at noon, and that we’ll be making a stop in Portland on the way.”
Faith Barnacle was Stone’s pilot for his Gulfstream G-500. The jet was too large to land at the Islesboro airport, but it could land at the one in Rockland, where he kept a Cessna 182 that he’d fly himself on the short hop to the island.
Joan returned to her desk, and Stone called Tamlyn.
“Good morning,” she answered.
“Good morning. Where are you?”
“Still in Atlanta.”
“Ah, then I guess flying up to Maine with me today is out of question.”
“I wish it wasn’t, but sadly yes. I should be able to join you on Saturday, if you’ll still be there.”
“I will await your arrival.”
“Wonderful. Maybe Dino can keep you company until I get there.” Stone heard a voice in the background. “Hold on.” The line fell silent for a moment. “Stone?”
“Still here.”
“Sorry, but I have to run. I’ll see you Saturday.”
“Don’t work too hard.”
“Too late for that.”
They hung up, and Stone called Dino.
“If you’re calling to make dinner plans that you’re going to sleep through again, I’m not going to be happy,” Dino said.
“Actually, I’m flying up to Islesboro in a few hours and staying through Sunday. I was wondering if you’d like to join me.”
“I should be able to move a few things around. When are you leaving?”
“Noon from Teterboro. Will that work for you?”
“I’ll make sure it does.”
“Then I’ll see you there.”
Ninety minutes after leaving Teterboro,Stone’s G-500 was on the ground again at its first stop, in Portland, Maine.
While Dino waited on the plane with Faith, Stone rented a car and headed to Perkins High School.
He presented his business card at the front office and asked if it would be possible to speak with Susan Vest, who taught English at the school.
“Let me check,” the man at the counter said.
It turned out Susan was just finishing up with her last class of the day. Fifteen minutes after Stone had arrived, she walked into the front office.
She had a quiet word with the receptionist, who handed her Stone’s business card, then she walked over to Stone, looking confused.
“Mr. Barrington?” she said, referencing his card.
Stone smiled. “Good afternoon, Miss Vest.”
“Do we know each other?”
